Research and Monitoring Internships – Charleston, OR
Organization: South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
Job Title: Summer Intern
Location: Charleston, OR
Hours and Compensation: 30 hrs/wk, unpaid
Position Dates: June 15 – August 15
Application Deadline: June 15
Posted on: May 15
Organization Overview
The South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve (South Slough NERR) is a 5,000 acre natural area located in the Coos estuary on the south coast of Oregon. The Reserve was designated in 1974 as the first unit of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS), a network of estuarine habitats protected and managed for the purposes of long-term research, education, and coastal stewardship. Established by Congress in 1972 as part of the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA), the NERRS is administered as a partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the coastal states. In particular, South Slough NERR is affiliated with both NOAA and the Oregon Department of State Lands. The Reserve’s immediate governing body is the South Slough NERR Management Commissionwhose members are appointed by the Governor of Oregon.
South Slough NERR encompasses a mixture of open water channels, tidal and freshwater wetlands, riparian areas, and forested uplands. The Reserve supports and coordinates research, education, and stewardship programs which serve to enhance a scientific and public understanding of estuaries and contribute to improved estuarine management. Over the past 37 years, South Slough NERR has grown in the depth and scope of its programs and developed facilities to meet the needs of visitors and staff.
For more detailed information regarding the South Slough National Estuarine Research Researve, visit the Welcome to South Slough page.
Description
The 2012 Research & Monitoring Interns will be mentored by scientsts working in the field at the South Slough Reserve. Interns will also work with Reserve staff and volunteers as needed. Work will include a mix of office and field-based activities. Reserve staff will assign projects to interns based on project timelines & availablility as well as intern qualifications. Intern candidates are encouraged to state education and career goals in their applications to further assist with project assignments.
Responsibilities
- Eelgrass Biomonitoring with GPS mapping;
- Saltmarsh Monitoring;
- Habitat Survey of Eelgrass, Oyster & Saltmarsh;
- Native Oyster Monitoring;
- Road Condition Surveys & GPS Recording of Reserve Boundaries;
- Plant Species Inventory;
- Data Management of Chlorophyll and Bacteria Datasets.
Qualifications
Candidates must be highly-motivated, interested in pursuing an a science and/or environmental career, and able to work both independently and as part of a team. In addition, candidates should also:
- Enjoy performing outdoor field work (e.g., water quality sampling, habitat surveys) in remote field sites, including navigating along potentially unmarked and uneven, muddy terrain in a variety of weather conditions.
- Be comfortable working in and around water on foot and in motorized watercraft;
- Have working knowledge of standard computer software (word, excel, outlook, access database);
- Posess strong writing skills and attention to detail.
- Highly qualified candidates will have some experience with data collection, survey and GPS equipment, laying out study transects and quadrats, and/or knowledge of plant species.
Requirements: Interns must be able to participate in physically active field work outdoors in all weather conditions. Some projects, such as the native oyster project, require lifting up to 50 pounds.
How to Apply:
Send the following to [email protected]by June 15th.
- COVER LETTER: Please outline the reason(s) that you are applying, including how this position will further your academic and career goals, and what you hope to gain from the experience;
- TRANSCRIPT (s): Unofficial transcripts accepted;
- REFERENCES: Contact Information for two (2) professional references (current/past supervisors, professors, academic advisors, coaches, etc.)
Only complete applications will be considered.
Questions are welcome! Contact Kileen Mitchell, Internship Program Developer @ South Slough NERR
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (541) 888-5558 ext 23
